I hope this link will help explain the changes in the Golden Retriever over the years...AND how they are similar and different.....Noticable physical differences are: coloring and build..."English"/British Golden Retrievers can be noticeably lighter in color, they are also more compact and stocky, as American Goldens can be leggy and slight in build...the biggest, non-physical difference is that the British "type" Golden is VERY easy-going and laid back, AND CAN BE HARD TO AQUIRE.!!!!!!